Senior Anc Mp Wants Podcasts Regulated After Macg's Comment On Minnie Dlamini

African National Congress ANC member of Parliament MP Khusela Diko has called for the regulation of podcasting after podcaster MacG made offensive comments about actress Minnie Dlamini.

In an episode of his podcast last week, MacG, co-hosts Sol Phenduka and Ghost Lady, and comedian Mashabela discussed Dlaminis recent breakup with surgeon Dr Brian Monaisa.

MacG then wondered why Dlamini cant keep a man and speculated about her private part, suggesting that it has an unpleasant smell.

This sparked a social media backlash, including from Monaisa . "What cap is this? he wrote in a post on Instagram stories that tagged MacG.

I think you and Sol have really shown us all that you have a problem with successful women. I stand for the integrity of women, bro! These hardworking, respectful people deserve more than you little weasels."

Diko, who is the chairperson of Parliaments portfolio committee on communications and digital technologies, also described MacGs comment as misogynistic, hurtful and has no place in our society.

We will be called all manner of names when Parliament pushes for the regulation of podcasting but the attack on Ms Minnie Dlamini is just simply not on, she wrote in a post on X on Sunday 27 April.

What avenue for recourse does she and many other people who have suffered at the hands of these anything goes platforms? At least licensed broadcasters have a responsibility to account to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

Here on these platforms - nothing, unless you have the financial muscle to litigate which is a privilege not everyone enjoys.

Podcasting has expanded significantly in South Africa in recent years. A recent Statista report projects the number of podcast listeners in the country to rise from 3.2 million in 2023 to 4.8 million by 2027.